 "Photo: Tina Russell")
Amid an economic recession, two UCF students have managed to transform their entrepreneurial dreams into a profitable reality.
Max Tau, a senior majoring in political science, and Eric Marks, a senior majoring in marketing, developed OrderKnight.com — an online restaurant directory that allows students to have food delivered to their doorstep with the click of a mouse.
The business partners first met through a mutual friend nearly three years ago. As they became acquainted, they soon realized their shared interest in entrepreneurship.
“It just started off with an idea to do a marketing company and somehow it blew up into an online food ordering company,” Tau said.
Over the next year and a half, the two students conceptualized a business model, consulted a Web designer and began to develop partnerships with local restaurants.
The Web site launched in August 2008 with four different menu selections.
In just one year, the directory has expanded to more than 20 local restaurants.
Users have a wide variety of dining options to choose from, including Pita Pit, Fujiyama Sushi, Houlihan’s and Cold Stone Creamery, among others.
From promotions to sales, the two entrepreneurs feel compelled to focus every aspect of their company on students.
“As students, we have a great deal of insight into the campus market, because we fall under that same demographic,” Marks said.
This student-centric approach is reflected in the Web site’s collegiate-themed discounts like after-bar specials, tailgating offers and move-in specials.
Unlike the Web site’s corporate competitors, OrderKnight.com does not charge any additional fees to orders. Most restaurants offer complimentary delivery, but if an establishment charges a delivery fee the Web site guarantees that it will cover the cost.
Michael Croker, a UCF graduate student studying theatre, frequently orders meals through the Web site.
“I like the variety of food and the student specials that they offer,” he said. “If a restaurant is running behind on my order, someone from the Web site will actually call me with an update rather than just leave me hanging.”
According to Tau, the company’s advertising strategy is organic. They depend on promotional fliers and word-of-mouth.
Croker said he first learned about the online food ordering service from a free bottle opener advertising the Web site.
“Supporting fellow Knights is important to me,” Croker said. “I don’t know much about who’s behind the site, but it seems very UCF-oriented and that makes a difference to me.”
Marks said he is amazed that an idea written down on a piece of scratch paper transformed into an actual business.
The business partners said they find inspiration in the success experienced by Facebook.com — a social networking site that was also created by college students.
“I think student businesses are the most important element in having a successful university experience,” Tau said. “It’s the best class you could ever take.”
“It does cost money to make money, but you can definitely make it happen if you have a dream and the right kind of inspiration.”
The young entrepreneurs hope to eventually franchise their business, tapping into the Tallahassee and Atlanta markets.
During the month of October, customers who use OrderKnight.com will automatically be entered into a drawing to win various prizes including concert tickets and UCF athletic gear.
Be the first to comment on this article!